Optical device mounting apparatus for use with weapons

ABSTRACT

An optical device mounting apparatus for use with firearms and related methods and systems are disclosed. The mounting apparatus has at least one arm portion connectable to a mounting rail of a firearm. A mounting shoe receiver is connected to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/490,474 filed Apr. 26, 2017 and titled “Optical Device Mounting Apparatus for Use with Weapons”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to mounting devices and more particularly is related to an optical device mounting apparatus for use with weapons.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Optical devices are commonly used in various environments to enhance the capabilities of the user's vision. In military environments, various optical devices are used to give a soldier enhanced visibility in harsh conditions. For example, devices like the AN/PVS 14 night vision monocular are commonly used in the military to enhance a soldier's visibility in low light conditions. These optical devices are affixed to combat helmets, weapons, or other structures that a soldier uses, and during a field operation, a soldier may move the optical device between the various mounting structures.

When the AN/PVS-14 night vision monocular is issued, it is accompanied by several accessories, including the monocular itself, the various lens caps and lanyard and 2 key interface products, a helmet mount, and the weapon mount. FIG. 1 is a picture of a conventional weapon mount 10, in accordance with the prior art. As can be seen, the weapon mount 10 connects to the rail 2 of a weapon, such as a rifle or another firearm, and holds an optical device 4, such as the AN/PVS-14 in a position above the rail 2. This type of weapon mount 10 may be difficult to operate while providing few options for positioning and adjustment. In particular, the weapon mount 10 attaches to the optical device 4 with a ¼″-20 screw, which is tedious and cumbersome to use. It requires significant time to install and usually cannot be assembled and/or installed without visible light, which is problematic when the optical device is needed in covert situations. In short, the optical mount 10 is not very useful or thought out.

FIG. 2 is a picture of another conventional weapon mount 12, in accordance with the prior art. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates a forward objective stop ring (OSR) mount which, instead of threadedly connecting to the mount with a screw, secures the mount within a ring. While the OSR is less cumbersome to use relative to the weapon mount 10 of FIG. 1, it still requires tedious manipulation and set-up steps in order to be properly used. Additionally, since the OSR mounts are located around the body of the optical device in a position behind the objective lens, they are more susceptible to damage themselves, as well as more likely to damage the optical device.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for an optical device mounting apparatus for use with firearms. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the apparatus, among others, can be implemented as follows. The mounting apparatus has at least one arm portion connectable to a mounting rail of a firearm. A mounting shoe receiver is connected to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a system for mounting an optical device. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. An optical device mounting system for use with firearms includes a firearm rail and an optical device having a mounting shoe attached thereon. At least one arm portion is connectable to the mounting rail. A mounting shoe receiver is connected to the at least one arm portion, The mounting shoe receiver has angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails. A plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of mounting an optical device on a firearm. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: connecting at least one arm portion to a mounting rail of a firearm; connecting a mounting shoe receiver to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm; and mounting an optical device by slidably engaging a mounting shoe attached thereon with the dovetailed rails of the mounting shoe receiver.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a picture of a conventional weapon mount, in accordance with the prior art. This mounting option utilizes constricting confinement around the existing devices OSR and is a stand-alone device not using the GFE (Government Furnished Equipment) weapon mount.

FIG. 2 is a picture of another conventional weapon mount, in accordance with the prior art. This version is also a stand-alone option mount using a constricting type retention method around the OSR.

FIG. 3A is an isometric illustration of a firearm showing planes thereof.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation illustration of a firearm showing planes thereof.

FIGS. 4A-4B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A-7B are various illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus of FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an optical device mounting system for use with firearms, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of mounting an optical device on a firearm, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for an optical device mounting apparatus for use with firearms, and in particular, used with specific orientations relative to a firearm. FIG. 3A is an isometric illustration of a firearm 20 showing planes thereof. As shown, the firearm 20 which may include any type of firearm, most commonly a military grade rifle, has a barrel with a central axis 22 through which a projectile is fired. As is well known in the art, when a firearm 20 is fired, it is held in a position with a vertical plane 24 positioned substantially vertical relative to a horizon, and a horizontal plane 26 positioned substantially parallel to the horizon. The mounting rail 28 positioned on the top edge of the firearm 20 commonly includes a planar bar with a plurality of cavities formed therein. A mounting device connects to the mounting rail 28 along the sides thereof and moves over the top surface of the rail 28.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation illustration of a firearm 20 showing planes thereof. The vertical plane 24 intersects the firearm in the direction between the magazine 30 and the mounting rail 28. The horizontal plane 26 intersects the firearm 20 orthogonal to the vertical plane 24 in the direction from the barrel 22 to the rear of the firearm 20. It should be noted that the vertical plane 24 and horizontal plane 26 may be considered relative to the firearm 20 regardless of its orientation to the horizon or its operator. Even if the firearm 20 is rotated, fired into the air, or operated from a nonstandard position, the vertical plane 24 always intersects the firearm 20 in the direction between the magazine 30 and the mounting rail 28, while the horizontal plane 26 always intersections the firearm 20 in the direction from the barrel 22 to the rear of the firearm 20. The vertical plane 24 and horizontal plane 26 intersect each other in the direction along the barrel 22.

FIGS. 4A-4B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus 110, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the optical device mounting apparatus 110, which may be referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus 110’ is used with firearms, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. The apparatus 110 has at least one arm portion 120 (which can be a GFE Issue Weapon mount which is solely used with the STD ¼-20″ thumbscrew) which is connectable to a mounting rail 28 of a firearm (not shown). The arm portion 120 may be slidably positionable along the rail 28 by fitting over edges of the rail 28. A screw or other fastening element may be inserted between or tightened against the ridges of the rail 28 to maintain the arm portion 120 in position on the rail 28. The arm portion 120 may sit partially on the rail 28 and partially above the rail 28 in order to position an optical device (not shown) at an appropriate eye level. A mounting shoe receiver 140 is connected to the at least one arm portion 120. The mounting shoe receiver 140 has angled dovetailed rails 142 with a substantially planar wall 144 positioned between the angled dovetailed rails 142. A plane of the substantially planar wall 144 is positioned parallel to a vertical plane 24 of the firearm 20 (as indicated in FIGS. 3A-3B). In one example, the mounting shoe receiver 140 is oriented so that the dovetailed rails 142 and substantially planar wall 144 are facing toward the rail 28.

The apparatus 110 may be used to mount any type of optical device to a firearm, including the PVS-14 monocular or other optical enhancement devices. The apparatus 110 may include a number of arm portions 120 to position the mounting shoe receiver 140 in the appropriate position above the rail 28, commonly a position which is spaced above the rail 28 and sometimes offset from a center axis of the rail 28. The offset may be on either side of the rail 28, depending on the operator or the use conditions of the firearm. As shown, a first arm 120A may be used to connect primarily to the rail 28 by fitting around the edges of the rail 28 and being removably secured thereto. The ability to removably secure a mounting arm to the rail can be achieved through numerous different means, as is known in the art. A second arm portion 120B is also used to connect to the first arm portion 120A and the mounting shoe receiver 140. The connection between the first and second arm portions 120A, 120B may be achieved by various fasteners, such as a threaded fastener, pin, bolt, button, and the like. Protrusions or nesting shapes within the arms 120A, 120B may be used to ensure that they're properly aligned when connected together. For example, arm 120A may have raised areas, indented areas, grooves, or walls designed to mate with corresponding areas on arm 120B. In FIGS. 4A-4B, the first arm portion 120A may be substantially similar to the conventional mounting bracket used in the prior art.

As shown, the second arm portion 120B may include a right-angled design which includes a first wall 122A positioned substantially perpendicular to a second wall 122B. The interior surfaces of walls 122A, 122B abut first arm portion 120A to properly align the arms 120A, 120B. The second wall 122B may be oriented substantially vertically to the first wall 122A and include an angled leg 124 which is sized to fit within a slot 146 of the mounting shoe receiver 140 housing. The angled leg 124 may permit the mounting shoe receiver 140 housing to move in an angular vertical direction and be retained in place with a threaded fastener at the desired position. The angled leg 124 may also allow the mounting shoe receiver 140 to be angularly adjusted down the length of the mounting rail 28 so that the optical device is optically aligned with the ballistic path downrange. The mounting shoe receiver 140 may be rotated about the threaded fastener to achieve the alignment. The slot 146 may allow the mounting shoe receiver 140 to align with the angled leg 124 easily by providing an alignment pathway. The slot 146 also ensures that inadvertent movement of the mounting shoe receiver 140 and the arm portions 120 is prevented, as the angled leg 124 is held in place by the slot 146.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the angled, dovetailed rails 142 of the mounting shoe receiver 140 are positioned to receive a dovetailed mounting shoe, as is well-known in the art. The face or wall 144 positioned between the angled, dovetailed rails 142, in the position shown in FIG. B, is oriented substantially vertically, such that a plane parallel with the wall 144 intersects the top edge of the rail 28, or if positioned offset from the rail, is positioned just offset from the rail 28. In this position, an optical device having a mounting shoe can be inserted into the mounting shoe receiver 140 and secured therein by known means. The optical device may then be in a position for use. It should be noted that this may improve wear and tear on the optical device compared to the current state of the art. The weapon mounts shown in FIGS. 1-2 attach to the optical devices at critical points on the devices. As the weapon is fired, the force of recoil and other movements is transferred to the optical device through the contact points on the mount. Over time, these points can become damaged or destroyed. The dovetailed mounting shoes commonly used in operation with the mounting shoe receiver 140 may distribute the recoil force more evenly or at stronger points on the optical device, providing some relief for the optical device. This may improve the performance and longevity of the optical device.

It is noted that the specific positioning of the mounting shoe receiver 140 in the vertical position is unique and novel. Within the art, mounting shoes and mounting shoe receivers have been used only in a horizontal position, such that the wall 144 of the mounting shoe receiver 140 is positioned parallel with the top edge of the rail 28, e.g., parallel to a plane formed along the uppermost surface of the rail 28. In the subject disclosure, the optical device is capable of being positioned substantially 90° relative to the conventional positioning due to the vertically-oriented mounting shoe receiver 140 which provides benefits in positioning the optical device in the desired location vertically above the rail 28. It also has benefits of being able to utilize the popular mounting shoes which are used to attach optical devices to other types of mounts, such as helmet mounts. The apparatus 110 allows significant interchangeability of the optical device between a weapon-mounted position and other mounting configurations without the needed to fiddle with threaded screws or other cumbersome connections.

FIGS. 5A-5B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus 110, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the same apparatus 110 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B with the exception that it uses a different lower or first arm portion 120C than shown in FIGS. 4A-4B (depicted as 120A). Specifically, the first arm portion 120C in FIGS. 5A-5B does not include an extended leg extending in the direction of the rail 28 as is used in the first arm portion 120A. As shown, the first arm portion 120C may mate with the rail 28 and be movable thereon, and may include an interfacing surface positioned above the rail to which the second arm portion 120B can connect. The interfacing surface may extend orthogonally to either side of the rail 28, such that the second arm portion 120B interfaces with the first arm portion 120C at a point to the side of the rail 28. This orthogonal extension may allow any attached optical device to be aligned with the rail 28 more easily, as the mounting shoe that will be connected to the mounting shoe receiver 140 will locate the optical device above the rail 28. The first arm portion 120C may include an actuatable pin 126 which controls adjustability of the position thereof on the rail 28.

FIGS. 6A-7B are various illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus 110 of FIGS. 5A-5B, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 6A-7B illustrate the details of the various components of the apparatus 110, including the arm portions 120B, 120C and the mounting shoe receiver 140. The second arm portion 120B is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B while the same structures are shown in FIGS. 7A-7B connected to the first arm portion 120C which can connect to a rail of a firearm. As shown, the rail of the firearm may be positioned within the lower rail slot 130, such that the pin 126 can engage with the cavities formed in the rail and control the adjustability thereof. It is noted that the engagement between the first and second arm portions 120B, 120C may include a shelf 150 which mates the two structures together using a fastener or similar device. The shelf 150 can assist with correctly orienting the two structures together, such that the alignment of the mount shoe receiver 140 and second arm portion 120B is correct with respect to the rail. The shelf 150 may include a hole for the fastener, which may align with a hole on the first arm 120C to indicate and allow for proper positioning. The second arm portion 120B may also include a raised portion with angled edges. The angled edges may align with angled edges on the mounting shoe receiver 140. As the mounting shoe receiver 140 is angularly adjusted with respect to the second arm 120B, the angled edges may allow the mounting shoe receiver 140 to remain aligned down the length of the firearm.

In one example, the second arm portion 120B and the first arm portion 120C may mate at right-angled edges. FIG. 6B shows the underside of the second arm portion 120B having a right-angled interior edge. FIGS. 7A-7B show the first arm 120C having a complementary right-angled edge. The two arm portions 120B, 120C may mate along those edges to provide precise alignment of the apparatus 110.

FIGS. 8A-8B are illustrations of the optical device mounting apparatus 210, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 210 may be substantially similar to the apparatus 110 of FIGS. 4A-7B with the exception that the mounting shoe receiver 240 may be positioned above a pivoting axis 260, such that the optical device can be rotated from an in-use position above the rail 28 to a stowed position off to the side of the rail 28. The pivoting axis 260 may be a pivoting axle 260 oriented in the direction of the mounting rail 28. Other pivoting mechanisms may be used, such as linkages and angled pieces in contact with each other. First arm portion 220A may be connected to the mounting rail 28, either directly above the mounting rail 28 or offset from the center axis, as described above. A second arm portion 220B may be connected to the first arm portion 220A. As shown, the pivoting axis 260 may be positioned at a connection point between the mounting shoe receiver 240 and the second arm portion 220B and controlled by a locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent rotation of the pivoting axis 260. Further, a thumb-actuated device 280 may be used to adjust a height of the mounting shoe receiver 240 relative to the second arm portion 220B, whereby rotating the thumbwheel can raise or lower the mounting shoe receiver 240 to move within a guided path. This design using the pivoting axis 260 may offer additional novelties in the ability to release the pivoting axis 260 quickly so the optical device can be pivoted out of the sightline of the firearm. This may allow a user to quickly pivot from using the firearm with the optical device to using the firearm without the optical device, and vice-versa.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an optical device mounting system 900 for use with firearms, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 900 includes a firearm rail 28 and an optical device 910 having a mounting shoe 920 attached thereon. At least one arm portion 120A is connectable to the firearm rail 28, and a second arm portion 120B is connected to the first arm portion 120A. A mounting shoe receiver 140 is connected to the second arm portion 120B. The mounting shoe receiver 140 has angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails. As shown in FIG. 9, a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm (not shown).

The mounting shoe 920 may be fastened to the optical device 910 using common fasteners, such as threaded screws. The mounting shoe receiver 140, first arm portion 120A, and second arm portion 120B may be the same components discussed relative to FIGS. 3A-8B, above. The first arm portion 120A may connect to the second arm portion 120B using a threaded fastener. The mounting shoe receiver 140 may connect to the second arm portion 120B using one or more threaded fasteners. The optical device and mounting shoe 920 may slidably engage with the mounting shoe receiver 140 as discussed above.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart 1000 illustrating a method of mounting an optical device on a firearm, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Step 1010 includes connecting at least one arm portion to a mounting rail of a firearm. In one example, a first arm portion may be connected to the mounting rail, while a second arm portion is connected to the first arm portion.

Step 1020 includes connecting a mounting shoe receiver to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm. In one example, the mounting shoe receiver may be connected to the second arm portion discussed above.

Step 1030 includes mounting an optical device by slidably engaging a mounting shoe attached thereon with the dovetailed rails of the mounting shoe receiver. In one example, the mounting shoe receiver may include a locking interface such as a button, lever, or spring-loaded lock. The step of slidably engaging a mounting shoe may further include engaging the locking interface to receive or holding the mounting shoe in place.

In one example, a second arm portion may be connected to a first arm portion along a pivoting axis as discussed above. The method of mounting an optical device may further include rotating the optical device about the pivoting axis, either to position the optical device over the mounting rail for use, or to position the optical device away from the mounting rail so that the firearm may be used without the optical device. In rotating the optical device, the substantially planar wall of the mounting shoe receiver may be rotated such that it is not parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm. However, when the optical device is rotated back over the mounting rail, the mounting shoe receiver may return to its state parallel to the vertical plane of the firearm. This may allow a user to quickly alternate between use of the firearm with the optical device and use without.

The various components of the present disclosure may be made from any suitable material for operation with firearms, including metals, alloys, plastics, and the like. In particular, the components may be manufactured to withstand combat use, and may include mil-spec materials and manufacturing.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical device mounting apparatus for use with firearms, the mounting apparatus comprising: at least one arm portion connectable to a mounting rail of a firearm; and a mounting shoe receiver connected to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm portion comprises an angled leg sized to slidably engage in a slot on the mounting shoe receiver.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the at least one arm portion offset from a center axis of the mounting rail.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least two arm portions, wherein a first arm portion is connectable to a mounting rail of a firearm, wherein a second arm portion is connectable to the first arm portion, and wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the second arm portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the second arm portion offset from a center axis of the mounting rail.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second arm portion comprises a first wall and a second wall connected substantially perpendicular to each other, and wherein the first arm portion connects with the second arm portion by abutting the first and second walls of the second arm portion.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second arm portion is connectable to the first arm portion along a pivoting axis oriented parallel to the mounting rail, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is rotatable about the pivoting axis, and wherein when the mounting shoe receiver is rotated, the plane of the substantially planar wall is rotated.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivoting axis is a pivoting axle connecting the first arm portion and the second arm portion.
 9. An optical device mounting system for use with firearms, comprising: a firearm rail; an optical device having a mounting shoe attached thereon; at least one arm portion connectable to the firearm rail; and a mounting shoe receiver connected to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the at least one arm portion offset from a center axis of the mounting rail.
 11. The system of claim 9, comprising at least two arm portions, wherein a first arm portion is connectable to a mounting rail of a firearm, wherein a second arm portion is connectable to the first arm portion, and wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the second arm portion.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second arm portion comprises a first wall and a second wall connected substantially perpendicular to each other, and wherein the first arm portion connects with the second arm portion by abutting the first and second walls of the second arm portion.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second arm portion is connectable to the first arm portion along a pivoting axis oriented parallel to the mounting rail, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is rotatable about the pivoting axis, and wherein when the mounting shoe receiver is rotated, the plane of the substantially planar wall is rotated.
 14. A method of mounting an optical device on a firearm, comprising the steps of: connecting at least one arm portion to a mounting rail of a firearm; connecting a mounting shoe receiver to the at least one arm portion, the mounting shoe receiver having angled dovetailed rails with a substantially planar wall positioned between the angled dovetailed rails, wherein a plane of the substantially planar wall is positioned parallel to a vertical plane of the firearm; and mounting an optical device by slidably engaging a mounting shoe attached thereon with the dovetailed rails of the mounting shoe receiver.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mounting shoe receiver is slidable along a leg of the at least one arm portion in a direction along the mounting rail and in a direction along the vertical plane of the firearm.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of angularly aligning the mounting shoe receiver along a central axis of the firearm by positioning the mounting shoe receiver against a raised portion of the at least one arm portion.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the optical device is mounted offset from a center axis of the mounting rail.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of connecting at least one arm portion to a mounting rail of a firearm comprises connecting a first arm portion to the mounting rail and connecting a second arm portion to the first arm portion, and wherein the mounting shoe receiver is connected to the second arm portion.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first arm portion abuts the second arm portion along a shelf of the second arm portion.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the optical device is rotatable about a pivoting axis oriented parallel to the mounting rail between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. 